Military News

The USAA Military Appreciation Day will involve three games on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017.

Veterans and active duty military will be admitted free of charge.

A Color Guard will present the Colors.

American Legion teams will receive and wear special military camouflage jerseys while playing games this day.

N.C. American Legion Adjutant Randy Cash (Captain, USN Retired) and former U.S. Navy Chaplain will serve as master of ceremonies.

Prior to the 11:30 a.m. game: Medal of Honor Recipient Don Ballard will be honored at home plate with a special recognition plaque.

Prior to the 3:30 p.m. game: American Legion Riders will drive onto the field to honor our military.

Prior to the 7:30 p.m. game: Active duty military personnel and U.S. veterans will be honored at home plate and the Special Forces Association Parachute Team from Fort Bragg will drop and deliver the game ball.

Active military personnel and veterans will receive a commemorative cap.

With the assistance of the N.C. National Guard and Shelby Post 82, military personnel will march onto the field by groups: Active Duty Military, U.S. Army Vets, U.S.M.C. Vets, U.S. Navy Vets, U.S. Air Force Vets and U.S. Coast Guard Vets.

Military personnel will line up behind the flag representing their group.

All veterans and current military personnel will receive an appreciation – thank you coin.

The Special Forces Association Parachute Team from Fort Bragg will drop and deliver the game ball.

The parachute team will have flags and smoke as part of their routine.

There will be a live video on the HD scoreboard of the jump team.

Cleveland County ALWS Baseball Inc. and its Executive Committee extend a special thanks to USAA for the agency’s sponsorship of Military Appreciation Day!
Events and times subject to change

Military Equipment on display at ALWS Events

The North Carolina Army National Guard will exhibit the following equipment at Keeter Stadium during the ALWS:

M109A6 Paladin: This 155m self-propelled artillery is the most technologically advanced cannon in the Army inventory. It weighs approximately 32 tons, has a cruising range of 186 miles at a max speed of 35 mph. The M109A6 Paladin is the United States’ principal self-propelled howitzer. It fires shells high into the air for a short distance, making it effective for reaching targets behind cover or in a trench.

M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle: This tracked fighting vehicle is used to transport infantry with armor; protect infantry by providing covering fire; and suppress energy troops and armored vehicles. The M2 Bradley, which performs well in cross-country open terrain, is equipped with a chain gun, machine gun, anti-tank missile system and two smoke grenade dischargers.

M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS M142): This rocket system provides heavyweight fire support for early entry and light forces.